A question that has plagued dog owners for centuries: why is my pooch running around the house like an absolute lunatic for no reason?
If you’re a dog owner, it’s likely you’re well versed in the sudden bursts of energy that have our dogs (and especially puppies) spinning like tornados and doing laps around the coffee table like it’s an Olympic track. But have you ever paused to wonder, what are they doing exactly?
What Are Dog Zoomies?
Zoomies, or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), refer to those unmistakable explosions of energy that a dog has on occasion. Zoomies often feature frantic, repetitive behavior such as running in circles or spinning around. A frequent cause of zoomies is an excess buildup of energy that dogs hold on to, which is then released in one big burst. Typically, your dog's zoomies won’t last very long and will be over almost as soon as they began, and your dog will plonk themselves down for a much-needed rest. After all, they are letting out a lot of energy when they zoom back and forth.
Note: Keeping your dog well groomed is key to their happiness and can lead to delightful Dog Zoomies! Regular use of a dog brush helps maintain their coat, keeping them healthy and ready for playtime antics.
Zoomies are a natural dog behavior that is most often no cause for alarm in pets, so long as your pup has room to run without injuring themselves. This completely normal behavior can be a lot of fun for them. However, constant zoomies may be a sign of a larger behavioral problem, so it's a good idea to keep tabs on how often your dog is zooming and for what reasons.
How to Recognize Dog Zoomies?
Many dogs tuck their butts and tails as they run, as if they're scooting along and trying to keep their tail out of a playmate's grasp (this is even more common if you have another dog to give chase!). A typical happy zooming dog with all of this energy will be loose and even wiggly, bouncing around you when they slow down.
Who Gets Dog Zoomies?
All dogs, from basset hounds to Great Danes, get the zoomies. Puppies and young dogs may zip around more often simply because they have more pent up energy to burn than older dogs. But pups in their golden years can still get zoomies too.
What Causes Dog and Puppy Zoomies?
Zoomies in a dog or puppy is generally caused by a build-up of excess energy which is then released in one short burst. Don’t worry though, it’s a completely natural behavior. It’s most common and generally occurs less and less as they get older. But that’s not to say it’ll stop entirely – many older dogs will still have FRAPs!
Certain times of day may trigger zoomies and energy bursts in dogs more than others, such as the first thing in the morning or in the evening after spending much of the day in a crate. Some dogs get zoomies after a bath, while others are triggered by stressful situations like visiting the vet. Zoomies most often occur in puppies and younger dogs, but the phenomenon can strike dogs of all ages and breeds at times.
Although it’s caused by excess energy build-up in a dog, there are a few occasions that are likely to cause a FRAP, including:
- Just before bed: your dog may be trying to blow off steam before a longer period of rest
- After a bath: a dog may experience an adrenaline rush after bathing and may either feel relief that they’re out of the bath or are trying to dry off. (or perhaps both)
- After eating: this is particularly common with very food oriented dogs
- During a training session: sometimes when we’re trying to teach a dog something and they’re not quite getting it, it can lead to a build-up of nervous energy
Note: Keeping your dog well groomed ensures a happy pup, promoting those adorable Dog Zoomies. Regular baths with dog shampoo keep their coat shiny and healthy, encouraging joyful, energetic playtime and a wagging tail
Are Dog Zoomies Harmful?
The behavior itself isn’t harmful, and quite normal, but sometimes the area in which they do it can be dangerous, particularly if they’re constantly skidding on laminate or hardwood floors or running into furniture. Puppy zoomies and dog zoomies in a safe place with proper boundaries are very safe. If you think your dog will harm themselves in the house, instead of trying to stop the behavior, just direct the behavior outside instead or if not possible, a carpeted area.
Conclusion
Dog zoomies are a natural canine phenomenon. FRAPs (Frenetic Random Activity Periods) are most common in puppies and young dogs, but other dogs continue to get the zoomies once in a while for their whole lives. If your dog’s zoomies seem to be happening a lot, it may be a sign that they’re not getting enough exercise. You could try longer walks (age and breed dependent) and mentally stimulating toys such as puzzles and snuffle mats.
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